#friend apprentice

Ruth was glad for the partial darkness to help hide the blush that warmed her face. “And miss one of your shows? Perish the thought.”

“I just know you’re busy and all-”

“I’ll always have time for you, Alec.” Ruth swallowed, amber eyes meeting blue in the dark. Alec’s expression mirrored how she herself felt. Searching eyes, an unspoken question hanging between them.

Alec moved first. Her hand found Ruth’s cheek, pulling her face in close. The kiss was hesitant, barely-there, and ending all too soon. Just as soon as she had started it, Alec was pulling away, concern in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

Ruth didn’t let her finish. Her hands wound into soft, dark waves, pulling the braid free. The kiss she gave Alec was completely and utterly unlike the one she had received. Hungry, demanding lips. Hands that wound and tangled and roamed. Sighs that got lost in each other, indistinguishable from one another. 

Ruth pulled Alec onto her lap, wanting, needing her to be closer. The little sound Alec made in response sent a spark of heat traveling down her spine. She smiled into the kiss when she felt Alec’s hands trail down her sides, coming to a halt at her hips. 

Alec pulled back first, pressing her forehead to Ruth’s as she took a moment to catch her breath. Ruth closed her eyes, leaning into the musician’s touch, trying to calm her racing heart.

“That was- I wanted wanted to do that for...the longest time,” she managed to get out between breaths. 

“Me, too.” Alec ran her hand through Ruth’s hair, pausing to think for a moment. Finally, she smiled, teeth flashing in a smirk. “Was there anything else you’ve been wanting to do for a long time as well?”

“Oh, I could think of a few things...but better to show you not in the palace gardens, I think.”

Alec laughed, “I’ve got a room we could...catch up there?” She was already shifting, moving herself from the other woman’s lap and extending her hand out to hold. Ruth took took it, entwining their fingers together.